SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – In a match that saw the University of Evansville volleyball team give Providence all it could handle, the Friars outlasted the Purple Aces in a 3-0 match on Sunday afternoon at Coliseo Mario Morales.
Box Score
Leading the way for UE was Giulia Cardona with team-highs in both kills (13) and digs (11). Melanie Feliciano wrapped up the day with seven kills and eight digs. Kora Ruff added 25 assists.
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Game 1 – PROV 28, UE 26
A quick start saw the Friars jump out to a 3-0 lead before the Aces rallied back. Consecutive kills from Angelica Gonzalez Maltes tied the score at 5-5 before a Providence error gave UE its first lead at 6-5. Evansville continued to play well as a rally that included a Cardona kill gave her team its largest lead at 15-10.
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An ace from Cardona matched the 5-point lead at 17-12 before Providence made a run. Five in a row tie things up, but Josdarilee Caraballo notched a kill to put UE in front. A pair of kills by Feliciano helped Evansville earn set point with a 24-20 lead, but the Friars rallied once again. Five in a row put them back in front before they finished with a 28-26 win.
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Game 2 – PROV 25, UE 15
Cardona gave Evansville an early 3-2 lead in the second frame while the Friars regained the advantage with an 8-1 stretch that gave them a 10-4 lead. Feliciano picked up a kill that helped UE cut the deficit to 10-7 before Providence took control, pulling away for a 25-15 decision.
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Game 3 – PROV 25, UE 20
Things were close once again in the third set as the score was tied at 7-7. A kill from Cardona saw the Aces go up 9-7 while a Feliciano kill solidified a 15-11 lead. The Friars rallied with four in a row before an error put UE on top at 16-15.
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With the score knotted at 16-16, a 5-1 run was the difference as they would clinch the match with a 25-20 victory. The home slate opens for the Aces on Friday with the Dunn Hospitality Tournament. Evansville faces Chicago State at 10 a.m. and Samford at 7:30 p.m. Friday before taking on Miami Ohio at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
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